33 accidents, 26 deaths recorded in Abia in 2018 – FRSC

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Abia State says it has recorded 33 accidents between January and November 14, this year.

The Abia Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Commander Meshach Jatau, disclosed this on Friday at the Aba Park, while speaking to drivers at a sensitization programme organized by the State Ministry of Transport, in conjunction with the FRSC, to mark its Safety Week, NAN reports.

Jatau said that out of the 33 accidents, 26 persons died while 257 were injured, hence the need to re-emphasise the importance of road safety.

He said, “Accidents destroy lives and render families economically impotent, with some of their bread winners dead.

‘’The number of road accidents in the state is very high, and we are working on possible ways to reduce it.

‘’Also, that deaths from accidents has increased the number of out-of- school children, which also increased social vices, and has charged the drivers to drive with their loved ones always in their minds.’’

The Abia Commissioner for Transport, Chief Kingsley Imaga, while addressing the drivers, stated that the state was working to ensure a zero accident record during the yuletide.

He said, “The state is working to ensure it has a zero accident record by January 2019.

“Our appeal is to all drivers in the state to change their tyres, service their vehicles and avoid drinking before driving during this period.”

The commissioner also added that sensitization programme was put together to educate and provide the necessary information for both new and old drivers to work and live beyond the Christmas season, without accidents.

“You cannot get all the money you need in your lifetime within this one month period. So avoid reckless driving and speeding to cover many trips if you must be alive to see the New Year,’’ he said.